Biodiversity and Succession Review

Biodiversity and Succession Review

By Katie Reche

Multiple Choice

Students in a science class visited four local ecosystems. The students observed the species present in each ecosystem and recorded their observations in the table. Based on these observations, which ecosystem is likely to be the least sustainable?

• Ecosystem 3, because it has few predators

• Ecosystem 1, because it has the fewest species

• Ecosystem 2, because it includes both aquatic and terrestrial species

• Ecosystem 4, because it supports many animals

Multiple Choice

Which term best describes the number and variety of organisms in a given area during a specific period of time?

• succession

• biodiversity

• food chain

• carrying capacity

Multiple Choice

Following a major change in an ecosystem, an ecosystem is most likely to survive if there is __________.

• little or no competition

• a high birth rate

• a great diversity of species

• a small population

Multiple Choice

The graph above compares the total number of species and total population number in a given ecosystem. Which of the ecosystems above has the greatest biodiversity?

• desert

• taiga

• tropical rain forest

• grasslands

Multiple Choice

The graph above shows the total number of species among vertebrates (animals with a backbone). Why do bony fish have a good chance of at least some species surviving a major environmental change?

• the ocean environment is the most resistant to environmental change

• all of the bony fish species are restricted to same environment

• bony fish have the greatest diversity of species

• bony fish are the most genetically complex species of vertebrates

Multiple Choice

This sequence of diagrams best illustrates

• physical weathering

• water erosion

• a food chain

• ecological succession

Multiple Choice

How do pioneer species make ecological succession possible on an island following a volcanic eruption?

• They adjust the climate by altering the average temperature in a region.

• They use chemicals to produce food.

• They break down rock into soil in which plants can grow.

• They establish homes in which animals can live.

Multiple Choice

Which of these stages in the diagram below consists of plant species that modify the environment, eventually making it more suitable for another community?

• hardwood forest stage, only

• shrub, pine forest, and hardwood forest stages

• grass, shrubs, and pine forest stage

• grass stage, only

Multiple Choice

The diagram above represents succession in a temperate deciduous forest. Which statement best describes what would happen if a fire destroyed all the organisms in the forest?

• Succession would begin again, leading to another climax community with Maple as the dominant plant

• Drought-resistant shrubs would replace the climax community

• The shrub stage would become extinct

• Grasses would become dominant plants in a new climax community

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes a climax community?

• It contains only plant populations

• Major climate changes will not alter it

• It changes rapidly

• It persists (continues) until an environmental change occurs.

Multiple Choice

After a volcanic eruption, lava covers the land. What is the order that plants grow to repopulate the area?

• Lichens → Shrubs → Grasses → Trees
• Lichens → tree → shrubs→Grasses
• Grasses → Lichens → Shrubs → Trees
• Lichens → Grasses → Shrubs → Trees